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Quad Cities Weekend Get-A-Ways for Adults

The Quad Cities has a lot of options for all types of adults planning a weekend trip away or a local “staycation” from the Active to the Adventurous, or for the more Artistic.

Active

For the Active Adult, the Quad Cities has many physically engaging activities to choose from. Each city has a variety of parks to visit as well as walking and bicycle paths on both sides of the Mississippi River. You can rent a bicycle at Union Station in Davenport, Iowa, or at the Moline Centre in Illinois.

There are more than 20 golf courses surrounding the area, including TPC Deere Run, where the John Deere Classic is held every year in July. Here is a list of the courses around the towns.

If Disc Golf is more up your alley, the Quad Cities has several courses located throughout the area. Stop by Iron Lion, local disc golf shop, to find out course information and upcoming events. The business often sponsors PDGA sanctioned tournaments and hosts their own, The Rumble, every April.

The Quad Cities is home the Bix 7, the famous 7 mile road race in July, and one of the biggest events of the year. There are also several other runs all throughout the year, the Cornbelt Running Club does a great job managing the list here.

Perhaps after an active weekend, you’d like to unwind a bit. The Quad Cities is home to One Tree Hot Yoga, Indigo Yoga, and Shine Yoga studios. During the Summer, Indigo Yoga offers Stand Up Paddle boarding and there is free Yoga in the Park offered Saturday mornings at 10am in Vander Veer Park.

If you’re more of a sports spectator, we have two local sports teams you can catch. You can go to a baseball game at Modern Woodman Park and cheer on the River Bandits. Or visit the iWireless Center to see a hockey game and root for our Quad City Mallards.

Adventurous

For those that are Adventurous, enjoy the nightlife of an area, and enjoy going to see shows or perhaps doing a little gambling, the Quad Cities has plenty to see and do.

The Quad Cities is home to 8 different craft breweries and hosts several different beer festivals each year. Brew Ha-Ha is the biggest and most well-attended, held in September every year. Festiv-Ale is the all homebrewed beer festival that’s held in July.

Downtown Davenport is home to many fun stops for an evening out. Catch a show at Daytrotter, the River Music Experience or Adler Theater; or try your hand at one of many games at Analog Arcade Bar. Visit the cocktail lounge, RAW, have a beer at Endless Brews, or check out Artisan Grain Distillery for something new. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, ranging from delicious bar burgers at Boozie’s to fine dining at the Bix Bistro in the Hotel Blackhawk. Downtown Davenport is also home to many street festivals during the summer months.

The Village of East Davenport

The Village of East Davenport is home to several bars and restaurants as well the Village Theater, Baked Beer & Bread Co., a brewery, bakery and live music venue, and many eclectic shops. The Village also hosts many popular, annual events including the Wine Walk, and a Bags n’ Brews tournament. Check out their list of events here.

Downtown Moline houses many great establishments including our farm-to-table restaurant, Barley & Rye, as well as several other popular watering holes, such at O’Keefe’s that has 39 beers on tap! It is just down the street from the Quad Cities biggest entertainment venue, the iWireless Center. The Bass Street Landing often has outdoor events during the warmer seasons.

A summer street festival in Downtown Rock Island, IL

Downtown Rock Island always has something going on. During the summer months, it is home to many outdoor concerts and festivals. Year-round you can visit either Circa 21 or the Speakeasy where you can see a musical or live comedy or RIBCO and Rozz-Tox, who offer live music almost every night of the week. Downtown Rock Island also has a diverse selection of restaurants to choose from; Soi 2 Thai and El Patron are both local favorites that have outdoor seating, weather permitting.

Isle Casino & Hotel in Bettendorf, IA

If you’re interested in a little gambling, the Quad Cities has several casinos all throughout the area. Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport is the newest addition to the Quad Cities and is offering live music as well as gaming. The Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf is recently renovated and located right on the Mississippi River. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel located in Rock Island and is home to one the Quad Cities’ favorite buffets.

Artistic

If you’re more of a creative type, interested in art and antiques, the Quad Cities has a lot to offer too. Visit the FIGGE Art Museum in downtown Davenport to enjoy the different exhibits as well as their permanent collection. The Beaux Arts Fair, which takes place in May and September, is held just outside the museum and features hundreds of different artists from all across the country.

Just down the street is the Bucktown Center for the Arts and Crafted QC, two places where one can experience and purchase locally made goods and crafts. Both offer different classes using different mediums for those looking to create.

Stop in at the Quad City Arts and the ARTery in Rock Island, Illinois, to shop at a local art hub and check out the calendar of events to keep up on the local art festivals and gallery walks.

The corner of 30th St. and 14th Ave in the College Hill District of Rock Island, IL

The College Hill District is home to many eclectic establishments and also has street festivals during the summer time. Plan to visit Fred & Ethel’s Vintage Shop and More Than Antiques both offering vintage and antique wares. They’re owned and operated by two generations of antiquers and they can also give you tips on where to head afterwards.

The Plaid Rabbit in the Village of East Davenport, IA

The Village of East Davenport is an artistically focused area, filled with neat shops and eateries. The Adventure Orange & Mint Green Boutique is an artistic co-op filled with different wares from local artists who also run the shop themselves. The Plaid Rabbit is a kitchy store perfect for gift shopping and Isabel Bloom is a Quad City must visit for art lovers. The neighborhood also hosts popular events all year round.

No matter how you spend your free time, there are plenty of great ways to spend it in the Quad Cities!

About the author

Deborah Davis
Deborah Davis, otherwise known as QCAlegirl, was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, where she currently resides. A self-proclaimed craft beer fanatic, she spends her days either working at a local nano-brewery or researching and writing for her blog, qcalegirl.com. While she’s not traveling around the Midwest in search of new experiences, she also enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
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